I was out doing errands today and decided to treat myself to a coffee and snack here at Case Study Coffee Lounge, after seeing that this was a top place to drink in Phoenix, according to Yelp Phoenix. This coffee shop is downtown so I was worried about parking, but there is a private parking lot and more parking in the back. I liked how it felt calm and relaxing when entering the café, which is quite a difference from the busy street and downtown activity. There are muted colors, concrete material, and real wood incorporated everywhere throughout the café, from the mid-century modern furniture to the signature wood planking around the bar and throughout the seating area. There are couches and chairs and a bar along the window at the front of the café. There is also extensive seating in the back of the café. There is a large couch at the back end of the cafe, and several long tables and bar tables and chairs lining both walls. Many students and adults were here on their laptops working or meeting. The barista who helped me was very friendly and when I let him know this was my first time in, he was patient with me and explained everything on the menu. When I asked what he preferred, he let me know what he thought was good. Though I see in the description that the house-made rosemary vanilla syrups are very good here, I decided on ordering a seasonal special that will be gone from the menu soon: - Hot Spanish Latte (Sweetened condensed milk, espresso, nutmeg) I used whole milk in my latte. The barista explained this would taste best with the condensed milk sweetness. - Strawberry Toast (Noble sourdough, cream cheese, strawberries, crumbled pistachios, lemon zest, and agave) I don't like my coffee overly sweets, and this coffee was just right for me. It was creamy and slightly sweet from the condensed milk, and there was a dash of nutmeg that was barely evident. This was a nice subtle latte. I loved it. This strawberry toast really blew me away. It seemed like such a simple meal, but the flavors were so delicious and the sweetness contrasting with the quality sourdough bread was so good. I think this toast actually outshined the coffee for me. The presentation of the toast was also phenomenal. I would come back here just for this strawberry toast Notice the generous sprinkling of whole & crumbled pistachios on top! When the drinks and meals are ready, your name is called and you pick up your order at the bar or kitchen door. If you eat in the café, return your dishes to the tub on top of the trash bin. There's a gender neutral restroom for customers. In all, this was definitely a successful Treat Yo'self Tuesday! read more